Facility Project Planner

Job Summary  

The Facilities Project Planner – ICC Construction leads the front-end planning activities for major building and infrastructure projects supporting GM North America Manufacturing and Non‑Manufacturing sites. The position works with GM business units to identify facilities solutions that enable business initiatives and leads cross‑functional project stakeholders in developing the right project. Involvement begins at the earliest stages of the needs assessment and continues through funding approval, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to design and construction execution. The role is expected to operate at a high level and consistently demonstrate GM Behaviors (Win with Integrity, Commit to Customers, Innovate and Embrace Change, Speak Fearlessly, Move with Urgency, Be Inclusive, Lead as One Team, Own the Outcome). 

Key Responsibilities  

• Work with GM business unit representatives to understand operational capacity and strategic requirements for facilities projects. 

• Develop project planning concepts and alternatives by drawing from professional experience, historical data, benchmarks and GM standards. 

• Lead ICC Construction / Global Facilities project teams and stakeholders from other GM units in the development of integrated facility project plans. 

• Effectively communicate issues, risks, assumptions and recommendations to team members, stakeholders and executive leadership. 

• Present facility alternatives, concepts and recommended solutions to ICC Construction and GM leadership for decision and approval. 

• Contribute to Appropriation Request (AR) business case development, including scope definition, class-level cost estimates, schedules and business justification. 

• Utilize Global Facilities and Project Planning standard processes and tools, including the Front End Planning Toolkit, VDP/AR processes, estimating software, MS Project and Plan Builder. 

• Document and communicate the Project Plan, including scope of work, cost estimate, schedule, risk assessment and key assumptions, to downstream design, procurement and construction teams. 

• Coordinate with Project Management, Project Engineering, Environmental, GPSC and other partners to ensure planning deliverables are constructible, biddable and aligned with sourcing and execution strategies (e.g., design/build, bundled programs, asset sustainment). 

• Maintain knowledge of the construction industry, delivery models and benchmarking through participation in professional organizations and relevant industry forums (e.g., CII, CURT, LCI). 

• Identify and implement process improvements, tools and standards that enhance ICC Construction front‑end planning effectiveness and predictability. 

• Mentor and provide guidance to less‑experienced project planners and contribute to building planning capability within the ICC Construction organization. 

Required Qualifications  

• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in the architectural / engineering / construction field on major commercial or industrial capital projects. 

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field. 

• Knowledge of manufacturing, office and lab/test building and infrastructure systems. 

• Knowledge of construction estimating and scheduling principles and their application to capital projects. 

• Experience with front-end planning, VDP and AR processes for capital projects. 

• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations for leadership. 

• Strong computer skills, particularly in Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS Project and cost estimating software. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment and influencing cross‑functional teams. 

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and compliance with GM policies and procedures. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience in working on automotive or industrial building projects (OEM, Tier 1 or similar). 

• Working knowledge of GM organizations, ICC Construction processes and governance for capital planning and execution. 

• Basic knowledge of automotive manufacturing and assembly processes. 

• Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or business (e.g., MBA).